Parquet flooring is a timeless and stunning apparel to grace the floors of any home. Over time, however, the finish on your parquet may start to wear away or become damaged, leaving you wanting to restore it back to its former glory. Restoring parquet flooring can be a complicated process but with some patience, hard work and the right materials, anyone can achieve beautiful results. This article will provide an overview of how to restore parquet flooring.
Introduction to Parquet Floors
Parquet flooring is made up of small wooden blocks that are laid together in intricate patterns. It was particularly popular during the 19th century but has seen a resurgence in recent years due to its classic style and timeless appeal. Due to their age, parquet floors often require restoration before they can look as good as new again.
What You Need Before You Get Started
Before undertaking this project it is important to make sure you have everything you need before you start. This includes:
- A suitable surface for working on (such as card or backing paper)
- Sandpaper in various grits
- Finishing sealant (preferably wax-based)
- A suitable brush or applicator for applying the sealant
- Soft rags for cleaning up any residue
- Adhesive putty (if there are gaps in between boards)
- Floor cleaner
Remove Old Finish and Sealant
The first step in restoring your parquet floor is to remove the old finishes and sealants that have been applied previously. For this task, you will need coarse sandpaper alongside soft cloths for mopping up any residue left behind from removing the finish and sealant. Make sure that you cover every single section of the floor thoroughly during this stage so that nothing gets missed out when you come to re-apply a new finish later on.
Repair any Damage to the Floor
If there is damage present on your parquet floors then this must be fixed before continuing with the restoration process. Depending on how serious the damage is, it might be better to call out a professional at this stage if it’s beyond your capabilities – otherwise repairing small chips or scratches should not be too difficult a task as long as you have all of the necessary materials close by. Once all damage has been repaired it’s time to move on to cleaning and sanding down your floors ready for refinishing them later on.
Clean and Sand the Floor
It is important that after any damage has been repaired on your parquet flooring surface, all dirt and debris need to be removed prior to beginning any work – which can be achieved using either a vacuum cleaner or mop with warm soapy water if necessary along with soft cloths or sponges where needed around tight corners or edges etc… After cleaning has been completed, take sandpaper in various grades starting from coarse through a medium then fine until all surfaces have been done properly; this will help ensure a smooth finish for when applying new finishes later on down the line – paying special attention not only into getting rid of dirt/dust but also smoothing out imperfections within the wood itself too should they appear over time through natural ageing etc…
How To Apply New Finish And Sealant
Start by ensuring the surface is free of dirt, dust and any other residue. Apply a thin layer of sealant to the boards in small sections, working from one edge to the other. Once dry, buff out with a soft cloth or brush in order to achieve an even finish. Finally, use another soft cloth to polish the boards for a glossy look and an alluring scent.
Tips for Maintaining Parquet Floors
Once the restoration process of your parquet floors has been completed and they look as good as new again, it is important to ensure that you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule to keep them looking their best. This can include simple tasks such as sweeping and mopping the floor frequently or even periodically sealing them to retain their shine and prevent damage from occurring in the future due to wear and tear. Additionally, using non-abrasive cleaning materials when wiping down wood surfaces will help reduce any scratches or discolouration that can occur over time.
Conclusion
Restoring parquet flooring can take some patience and effort but with the right steps taken, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From removing old finishes and sealants, repairing any damages and finishing off with applying a new coat of finish, if done correctly you will soon be able to enjoy your beautiful parquet floors once again just like they were meant to look!
